Although the muscle is torn, the tendon is not. That means Ninkovich will rehab the injury rather than undergo surgery, per Rapoport. The hope is that the 11th-year veteran can return at some point in October.

A versatile defensive leader, Ninkovich led the Patriots' front seven in snaps last season, recording 6.5 sacks and a career-high seven pass deflections. He has not only started all 80 regular-season games for New England over the past five seasons, but also boasts the third-longest streak of consecutive games played (102) among NFL defensive ends.

Along with Pro Bowlers J.J. Watt and Calais Campbell, Ninkovich is one of just three players with at least 40 sacks and 350 tackles since 2010, per NFL research.